Loaded handgun, drugs found in truck with Ricky Wheeldon, sentencing set for Nov. 29

JACKSON, MI — Convicted felon and captured fugitive Ricky Wheeldon made a brief appearance in court Wednesday morning less than eight hours after his arrest.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson set a sentencing date of Nov. 29 for Wheeldon, who fled during the last day of his May trial.

In his absence, a jury convicted Wheeldon of nine felonies, including conducting a criminal enterprise. Wheeldon was on trial for running a wide-ranging theft and drug ring. He has an extensive criminal history and will face a long, if not lifetime, prison sentence.

"Not enough," Jackson County Prosecutor Hank Zavislak said during a press conference after the court hearing.

Wheeldon had been out of jail on a $500,000 bond held by Mason-based Leo's Bail Bonds. At the beginning of the month, the bonding company paid Jackson County $100,000 under a payment plan approved in court. Another $100,000 was due in December if Wheeldon was still on the run. With Wheeldon in custody, the bonding company will not have to pay any more money but is not entitled to recoup the money already paid, according to the terms of the payment plan. Leo Urban, owner of Leo's Bail Bonds, was in court Wednesday morning.

Wheeldon appeared in a black-and-white striped jail uniform. He looked tired. His hair had thinned, as had his mustache. Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand said it appeared Wheeldon had attempted to alter his appearance.

At the hearing, Wilson asked Wheeldon if his former attorney, Ina O'Briant, was still representing him.

"She didn't represent me when she was here," Wheeldon responded, adding later that he was not happy with her work for him.

Wilson asked if Wheeldon wanted a court appointed attorney, and Wheeldon responded that he had not had time to figure out his legal representation since his arrest. Wilson had Wheeldon fill out paperwork to have a court appointed attorney.

Wheeldon was sent back to the Jackson County Jail where he will remain. His bond was revoked when he initially fled.

Working on information that Wheeldon might be at a house in the Leslie area, state police and marshals prepared to do a search warrant Tuesday night, said 1st Lt. Michael Krumm, commander of the Michigan State Police Jackson post. As police watched the house, Wheeldon and a 62-year-old man left and drove away in the truck.

After police initiated the traffic stop, the truck continued for a half mile before it stopped. It was not a high-speed chase, but Krumm called it a tense situation.

"You have to wonder if they were contemplating what they were going to do because he was armed, and they did have narcotics on them," Krumm said.

A loaded .38 caliber handgun and drugs were found inside the truck, Krumm said. The driver, the 62-year-old man, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and harboring a fugitive. He will face charges in Ingham County.

Wheeldon could also face additional charges in Ingham County, Zavislak said. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office is also considering adding a felony charge of absconding.